A significant number of digital-led Innovations; Advanced R&D at the intersection of biology, computing and materials

Mumbai: Tata companies have showcased over 3,300 implemented innovations in its annual Innovista programme, representing a growth of 110 percent in two years. A significant number of these innovations incorporate digital technologies, particularly in the areas of industrial automation, customer experience enhancement and advanced engineering simulations, the Tata group said today.

The implemented innovations include new products, new services, core processes, support processes and design.

Examples in industrial automation, incorporating digital, include TCS’s embedded security for internet of things (IoT) devices, Tata Steel’s smart desulphurisation utilising infrared thermal imaging camera and image processing algorithms, and Tata Motors tyre life extension that leveraged real-world road usage data to incorporate realistic wear patterns into the design process, utilising digital approaches.

Indian Hotels showcased the Taj VR experience and Taj.Live, both of which employ digital tools to enhance customer service processes through immersive experiences and social listening. TCS demonstrated Access Infinity, incorporating digital workflow and functionality to enable accessible media for the print disabled.

Digital innovations in the engineering simulation were well showcased by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which used 3D simulations of automotive components’ performance under virtual road conditions to significantly improve design timelines. JLR also presented pedestrian automatic braking system using a stereo camera and algorithms for driver assist.

Companies also showcased advanced R&D at the intersection of biology, computing and materials. Superhydrophobic material coatings by Tata Steel Europe attempted a coating technology using proteins produced by bacteria to prevent corrosion for organic coated steel. TCS presented potentially revolutionary microbiome-based bio-markers to flag those at a high risk for preterm birth and those at high risk for colorectal cancer.

These innovations were showcased through the multi-stage and multi-country Tata Innovista 2017, a group-wide programme held annually by the Tata Innovation Forum (TIF). The TIF is tasked with encouraging the culture of innovation in Tata companies, and Tata Innovista is the platform which recognises outstanding innovations by Tata companies under four broad categories: implemented innovations, piloted technologies, dare to try, and design honour.

Implemented innovations are those that have been successfully implemented and have accrued benefits to the businesses. Piloted technologies are at various stages of development and promise to deliver significant benefits after implementation. The dare to try category comprises courageous attempts that did not achieve the desired results but have potential for success. The design honour category comprises innovations focusing on design thinking.

Tata Innovista 2017 Awards

From 52 Tata companies from across 22 countries who submitted their projects in Tata Innovista 2017, 36 Tata companies reached the second round. The projects in the second round, held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, London, Novi (USA), and Bangkok, were judged by eminent external experts, and 51 teams from 18 Tata companies were shortlisted for the final global round that took place in Mumbai.

The awards for the implemented innovations category, including its sub-categories, were given to:

New products

• Tata Chemicals: Low oil absorb besan: A simple path towards health
• Tata Global Beverages: Eight O’clock coffee infusions
• Tata Steel: Smart raking system for DS in steel making shop

New services

• Tata Consultancy Services: Access infinity – accessible content ecosystem
• Tata Consultancy Services: Embedded secure element – digital transformation

Core processes

• Jaguar Land Rover: Virtual road load data
• Tata Motors and Tata Steel: Indigenous development of advanced high strength steel
• Titan Company: Smart fusion – in-house laser welding automation

Support processes

• Tata Power Delhi Distribution: Leaders from learners

Awards in the other three categories were given as under:

In the piloted technologies category, the award went to:

• Tata Consultancy Services: Microbiome-based diagnostics: Preterm birth and CRC

In the dare to try category, the award went to:

• Tata Steel (Europe): Superhydrophobic bacterial coatings

The design honour category award went to:

• Jaguar Land Rover: Push lock-pull open door latch for interior paint
• Tata Consultancy Services: Next gen customer experience in industrial service
• Tata Steel: Dual discharge wagons – debottlenecking logistics